Method and devices for preventing or minimizing recurrent elbow tendinosis

ABSTRACT

Methods of preventing the development or exacerbation of tendinosis include receiving a first ring of resilient material over a first digit of a hand of the user and a second ring of resilient material over a second digit of the hand of the user. The first and second digits receiving first and second rings are curled about an object to grasp the object with an increased circumference grip relative to a natural grip of the user. The first and second rings are automatically slid to an interleaved configuration on the first and second digits by moving the grasped object with the hand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application61/334,046, filed May 12, 2010 and entitled “Method and Devices forPreventing or Minimizing Recurrent Elbow Tendinosis,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and devices forpreventing or minimizing recurrent elbow tendinitis. Exemplaryembodiments include methods and devices relating to two or more ringspositioned on two or more of the user's fingers in specificconfigurations as described herein.

BACKGROUND

Elbow tendinosis is often described as “tennis elbow” when referring tothe lateral elbow or “golfer's elbow” when referring to the medialelbow. Elbow tendinosis is typically due to repetitive trauma to thetendon at the insertion at the elbow. The tendon develops microscopictears and subsequent degenerative change. There is typically no trueinflammation, however, and therefore, elbow tendinosis isdistinguishable from a true “tendonitis.” Athletic activities such asgolf and tennis, as well as other repetitive activities, such as using ahammer, often are the cause of tendinosis.

Some devices for mitigating elbow tendinosis have included braces nearthe elbow insertion of the tendon. These braces press the tendon intothe underlying muscle mass and have included different features, such asgel padding or air bladders for this purpose. Some problems with thesetypes of braces include the necessity for precise placement, the needfor readjustment during use as the forearm muscle enlarges withactivity, and the discomfort of having a constricting tourniquet-likeband around the forearm.

SUMMARY

Some aspects of inventive embodiments relate to a tendinosis system forhelping prevent the development of and/or recurrence of elbowtendinosis. The system includes a first pad made of a resilient materialand configured for being carried by a first digit of a user of thesystem. The first pad is substantially tubular and has an inner diameteradapted to allow rotation about and axial sliding along a phalanges ofthe first digit during grasping with the first digit without passing aninterphalangeal joint of the first digit. The second pad is also made ofa resilient material and configured for being carried by a second digitof the user that is adjacent to the first digit of the user. The secondpad is substantially tubular and has an inner diameter adapted to allowrotation about and axial sliding along a phalanges of the second digitduring grasping with the second digit without passing an interphalangealjoint of the second digit. The first and second pads are adapted toslide axially along the phalanges of the first and second digits,respectively, to an interleaved configuration during use.

Other aspects of inventive embodiments relate to a method of preventingthe development or exacerbation of tendinosis. The method includesreceiving a first ring of resilient material over a first digit of ahand of the user and a second ring of resilient material over a seconddigit of the hand of the user. The first and second digits receivingfirst and second rings are curled about an object to grasp the objectwith an increased circumference grip relative to a natural grip of theuser. The method also includes automatically sliding the first andsecond rings to an interleaved configuration on the first and seconddigits by moving the grasped object with the hand.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tendinosis system located on a hand ofa user, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first pad of the system of FIG. 1,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section of the first pad of FIG. 2,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows another tendinosis system located on the hand of the user,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section of a first pad of the system of FIG. 4,according to some embodiments.

While the various embodiments disclosed herein are amenable to variousmodifications, permutations, and alternative forms, specific embodimentshave been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described indetail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention tothe particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the variousembodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the scope of the invention or inventions asdefined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects disclosed herein relate to protecting against reinjuringa torn tendon once the tendon has healed and a participant re-engages inthe physical activity that originally caused or worsened the tendinosis.

Some embodiments relate to a preventative and therapeutic system adaptedto be worn on a user's hand, the system including a plurality of ringsadapted to move rotationally and/or axially along the user's fingersduring use. In other embodiments, the rings have a shape and minimalthickness that result in a less acute metacarpalphalangeal joint angle.The system is optionally used to prevent and/or mitigate the effects ofrecurrent elbow tendinosis, where the term “recurrent” delineates ausefulness in letting a person re-engage in the specific activity thatat first caused elbow tendon injury and the term “tendinosis” is a truedelineation of pathology at the medial or lateral elbow epicondyle (incomparison to tendonitis, which indicates inflammation). The dynamicnature of the system promotes therapeutic efficacy as well as usercomfort. In some embodiments, the rings automatically interact with oneanother during use to create an interleaving pattern on the user'sfingers, thereby enhancing comfort for the user.

In some embodiments, the system includes a plurality of tubular rings,each ring having a rounded end such that rings worn on adjacent fingersmove against one another to integrate together, moving naturally to acomfortable position for the user during use, such as, in some exemplaryembodiments, an interleaved configuration as described in further detailbelow, which minimizes finger splay and/or other uncomfortable handpositioning. The rings are optionally formed of visco-elastic polymer,such as material sold under the tradename, “SORBOTHANE,” available fromSorbothane, Inc. of Kent, Ohio, although other materials arecontemplated. In some related embodiments, one or more of the rings areadapted to help reduce and/or prevent substantial bending of theproximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), which helps decrease tendontension during use.

FIG. 1 shows a tendinosis system 10 for helping prevent the developmentof and/or recurrence of elbow tendinosis, according to some embodiments.As shown, the system 10 includes a plurality of pads, such as a firstpad 12, a second pad 14, and a third pad 16, each of which is worn by auser 18. The pads 12, 14 and 16 help reduce grip tightness by the user18 when grasping an object during an activity (e.g., the handle of atennis racket or a golf club) so that less of the impact forces appliedto the object (a tennis ball strike) are transferred through thetendon-muscle-tendon unit of the user 18. The pads 12, 14 and 16 arealso made of a resilient material and sized so as to absorb impactforces applied to the object to further reduce resultant impact stress.The system 10 may be arranged in a variety of manners in accordance withvarious embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hand of the user 18 has a thumb 20, an indexfinger 22, a middle finger 24, a ring finger 26, and a little finger 28.The fingers 22, 24, 26 and 28 each includes a proximal phalange 40 thatis adjacent the palm of the user 18, a proximal interphalangeal joint 46located intermediate the proximal phalange 40 and a middle phalange 42,and a distal interphalangeal joint 48 located intermediate the middlephalange 42 and a distal phalange 44. Other than a middle phalange 42and a distal interphalangeal joint 48, the thumb 20 includes similarstructures.

As shown, the pads 12, 14 and 16 are generally configured as rings thatextend completely around the fingers 22, 24 and 26, respectively. Insome embodiments, the pads 12, 14 and 16, also described as rings, aresubstantially similar in shape, and thus are described collectively withrespect to the first pad 12. In some embodiments, the pads 12, 14 and 16are of differing sizes and in other embodiments the pads 12, 14 and 16are of substantially the same shape, size, and material as desired.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first pad 12 and FIG. 3 is alongitudinal section of the first pad 12, according to some embodiments.As shown, the first pad 12 has a palmar side 30 that is configured forcontacting the finger 22 of the user 18 and an oppositely disposeddorsal side 32. Generally, the first pad 12 is substantially tubular, orring-like, which helps avoid loss of contact even if the pad twists ortwirls around the finger 22 during use. The first pad 12 may be asingle, integral piece or may be made of one or more components.

Generally, the first pad 12 has sufficient firmness to elevate theproximal phalange 40 from a held object that is being impacted by theheld object. By elevating the proximal phalange 40, tension in thetendon-muscle-tendon unit is loosened, thereby causing less kineticenergy to be imparted to the elbow at a time of impact. In someembodiments, first pad 12 has a firmness as measured on the ShoreDurometer 00 scale between approximately 55 and approximately 70,although other degrees of firmness are contemplated. In someembodiments, the first pad 12 is made of a soft, shock absorbentmaterial, such as SORBOTHANE. Other materials that may be used toconstruct the first pad 12 include polyurethane, gel, silicone or foam,for example. In another embodiment, the material can be any materialthat is elastic or finitely compressible, The first pad 12 may also haveabsorbent properties that act to remove perspiration from the skin ofthe user 18 during use of the system 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first pad 12 defines a main body 12A, afirst end 12B, and a second end 12C. The main body 12A is substantiallytubular and has a substantially uniform thickness 72 about its axis,according to some embodiments. The first end 12B is substantiallyrounded and the second end 12C is substantially flat, although a roundedsecond end 12C is contemplated.

As shown, the main portion 12A of the first pad 12 has a uniformthickness between the inner and outer circumferences of the pad 12 andtherefore has substantially no projections on any particular surface.The inner circumference varies based upon the finger size of the userbut is generally slightly greater than a circumference of the finger 22,and in particular the proximal phalange 40, to help allow the first pad12 to freely rotate in either direction as well as help allow the firstpad 12 to move up and down, or axially, along the finger 22. The firstpad 12 has a thickness 72 of at least six millimeters, according to someembodiments. For example, the thickness 72 is optionally approximatelynine millimeters, although other dimensions are contemplated. In afurther alternative example, the thickness 72 is optionally at least 10millimeters. Although described as having a constant thickness 72, it isto be understood that the thickness 72 may be varied in otherembodiments. According to certain implementations, the minimal thicknessis any minimal thickness that results in a less acutemetacarpalphalangeal joint angle of the fingers of the user whilegripping the handle of any object contemplated in this application. Inaccordance with some embodiments, the first pad 12 has a length 80 fromapproximately ten millimeters to approximately thirteen millimeters,although other dimensions are contemplated.

As shown, the first, second, and third pads 12, 14 and 16 are retainedon the proximal phalanges 40 of the index finger 22, the middle finger24, and the ring finger 26, respectively. The pads 12, 14 and 16 areshown interleaved, or integrated, in such a manner that each of the pads12, 14, 16 is able to contact the two fingers adjacent the finger onwhich the particular one of the pads 12, 14 and 16 is received. Asdescribed in greater detail, the pads 12, 14, 16 are configured tonaturally encourage this type of configuration during use, automaticallysliding into a more compact arrangement (e.g., in comparison to the padsbeing aligned, one next to the other, which otherwise increases fingersplay and user discomfort).

Though the pads 12, 14 and 16 are shown on the proximal phalanges 40, invarious embodiments the pads 12, 14 and 16 are adapted to slide axiallyalong the finger on which they are received to an axial location on thatfinger (e.g., on the middle phalange 42) that is comfortable to the userand also maintains an interleaved configuration. Additionally, though asingle pad is shown on a respective finger, in other embodimentsmultiple pads are received on one or more fingers, those pads alsonaturally sliding to a comfortable, interleaved position during use. Forexample, selection and location of the pads may be made based upon aparticular form of tendinosis affecting the user 18. When the user 18 isexperiencing a form of tendinosis commonly known as tennis elbow, a padmay be located on the middle finger 24. When the user 18 experiences aform of tendinosis commonly referred to as golfer's elbow, multiple padsmay be located on the index finger 22 and the ring finger 26. If theuser 18 experiences both of these forms of tendinosis, multiple pads maybe placed on the index, middle and ring fingers 22,24, and 26, forexample. Additionally, though not shown, one or more pads are optionallyplaced on the thumb and/or little finger 20, 28, respectively. Incertain alternative configurations of the system, pads are placed on theuser's specific fingers related to the tendinosis while simultaneouslyallowing remaining fingers to exert enough pressure for the user tomaintain a grip on various objects. As such, various combinations andnumbers of pads are envisioned as making up the system 10 in accordancewith various embodiments.

Additional and/or alternate systems (e.g., elbow braces) are optionallyemployed in conjunction with the system 10. For example, U.S. PatentApplication Publication 2007/0276304, “Apparatus for preventing orminimizing tendinitis” describes various useful apparatuses and methodsfor preventing the development or exacerbation of tendinitis that areusable with the system 10, the contents of that publication beingincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another tendinosis system 100 forhelping prevent the development of and/or recurrence of elbowtendinosis, according to some embodiments. As shown, the system 100includes a plurality of pads, such as a first pad 112 and a second pad114, each of which is worn by the user 18. The pads 112 and 114 helpreduce grip tightness by the user 18 similarly to the system 10. Thepads 112 and 114 are also made of a resilient material and sized so asto absorb impact forces applied to the object to further reduceresultant impact stress. The system 100 may be arranged in a variety ofmanners in accordance with various embodiments.

As shown, the pads 112 and 114 are generally configured as rings thatextend completely around the fingers 26 and 24, respectively. In someembodiments, the pads 112 and 114, also described as rings, aresubstantially similar, and thus are described collectively with respectto the first pad 112.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section of the first ring 112, according tosome embodiments. The first ring 112 has a palmar side 130 that isconfigured for contacting the finger 22 of the user 18 and an oppositelydisposed dorsal side 132. Generally, the first pad 112 is substantiallytubular, or ring-like, which helps avoid loss of contact even if the padtwists or twirls around the finger 22 during use. The first pad 112 maybe a single, integrally molded piece or may be made of one or morecomponents (e.g., of two substantially smaller pads, such as the pad 12,pressed or joined together).

Generally, the first pad 112 is optionally formed of similar materialsand/or using similar methods (e.g., molding) to that of the first pad12. The first pad 12 has sufficient firmness to elevate the proximalphalange 40 from a held object that is being impacted by the held objectto loosen the tension in the tendon-muscle-tendon unit to the elbow.

Though of substantially similar thickness and having a substantiallysimilar inner and outer circumferences to the first pad 12, the firstpad 112 is generally more elongated than the first pad 12, e.g., havinga length 80 of approximately twenty-six millimeters or more, althoughother dimensions are contemplated. The more elongate form of the firstpad 112 is configured to more directly impede, while not precluding,flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint 46 to further decrease thetension of the finger tendon(s) involved in elbow tendinosis. Though thefirst pad 112 is able to rotate about the finger on which the first pad112 is received, axial, or linear movement of the pad 112 on the fingeris impeded (e.g., by the bent or flexed interphalangeal joint 46) whilegrasping an object.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first pad 112 defines a main body 112A, a firstend 112B, and a second end 112C. The main body 112A is substantiallytubular and has a substantially uniform thickness 172 about its axis,according to some embodiments. The first and second ends 112B, 112C aresubstantially rounded for comfort, for example.

As shown, the first and second pads 112 and 114 are retained over theproximal interphalangeal joints 46 of the middle finger 24 and the ringfinger 26, respectively. The pads 112 and 114 are not shown interleaved,or integrated, due to their increased lengths.

Though the pads 112 and 114 are shown together, in various embodimentsone or more of the pads 112 and 114 are replaced by pads similar to thepads 12, 14 and 16. For example, in some embodiments, the index finger22 receives the pad 112 while the middle and ring fingers 24, 26 receivepads similar to pads 14 and 16, which permits interleaving between thepads on the middle and ring fingers 24, 26 to reduce finger splay whilesubstantially inhibiting bending of the proximal interphalangeal joint46 of the index finger 22. As such, various other combinations andnumbers of pads are envisioned as making up the system 100 in accordancewith various embodiments.

Some methods of reducing tendinosis risk, for example preventing thedevelopment or exacerbation of tendinosis, include receiving the pads12, 14, 16 on the proximal phalanges 40 of the fingers 22, 24 and 26,respectively, and grasping an object by bending the fingers 20, 22, 24,26 and 28 about the object. For example, prior to engaging in anactivity known to aggravate elbow tendinosis, the user places the system10 on the target finger(s) (e.g., those corresponding to tendons havingcaused or tending to cause tendinosis for the user) as one would place aring on a finger. The user 18 optionally determines which specificfinger tendon(s) transmits the kinetic energy producing the most damageto the elbow by simply moving each finger up and down while placing theopposite hand on the previously injured area of the elbow. If fingermovement produces some tenderness at the elbow, then that finger (orfingers) should have one or more of the pads of the system 10 placedupon it. The user then verifies that the inner circumference of thepad(s) allow the device to move freely in rotational and translationaldirections (e.g., about and along the proximal phalanges 40). The useralso optionally confirms that the pad(s) are not so loose upon thefinger that the pad moves undesirably, for example that the particularpad does not move distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint 46 whilegripping the hitting implement.

Without being limited by theory, it is believed that certain embodimentsdisclosed herein mitigate elbow tendinosis by reducing tendon tensionnear the elbow when worn. Conceptually, in terms of transmission ofenergy along the tendons of the user 18 from the hand to the elbow,kinetic energy is proportional to velocity squared, or the speed of thevibrations through the tendon, and wave velocity squared is directlyproportional to tendon tension. Therefore, kinetic energy transmittedalong a string apparatus (i.e., the tendons) is directly proportional tothe tension of that string. The pads, worn as rings, help preventmaximal flexion of the fingers, and resultant tightening of the tendons(the “strings”). The pads decrease the tension of the finger tendons bykeeping a finger segment away from the object being gripped during use,and particularly at the moment of impact. In some embodiments, thetendon insertion on the elbow thus experiences greatly reduced impact(relative to scenarios where the system 10 is not in use), which in mostcases is below a threshold for reinjuring the tendon at the elbowinsertion. Moreover, the user 18 is still allowed to grip the objecttightly, such as by placing the pads on only selected fingers accordingto certain embodiments, without over tensioning the tendons in thefingers.

As alluded to above, the pads 12, 14 and 16, function to keep the indexfinger 22, middle finger 24, and ring finger 26 from directly touching agripping surface to reduce tension in the users fingers while graspingthe object. In some embodiments, one or more of the pads 12, 14 and 16help keep one or more of the fingers 22, 24 and/or 26 from bending asmuch as it normally would in gripping the object. Thus, methods includeusing the system 10 to create laxity in the connection between thetendon of the finger, the muscle of the forearm pulling on the tendon ofthe finger, and the tendon in the elbow attached to the muscle of theforearm. By preventing the finger(s) 22, 24 and/or 26 from bending tothe same extent they normally would when grasping the object, theaforementioned tendon-muscle-tendon unit is not completely tight andenjoys some degree of looseness. Use of the system 10 thus increases aneffective grip circumference of the fingers 22, 24 and 26. In someembodiments, the pads 12, 14 and 16 do not interfere with the bending ofthe interphalangeal 46 and 48 or metacarpalphalangeal joints of the handof the user 18 yet engage the fingers in a manner so as to be precludedfrom twisting or slipping off the finger 24 or out of position.

In particular, impact forces on the object being held by the hand of theuser 18 are transferred through the finger 24 and thetendon-muscle-tendon unit. These forces act to cause tendinosis and aremore quickly and strongly propagated if the tendon-muscle-tendon unit istight (e.g., much the same way a wave is more strongly and quicklypropagated along a tighter rather than looser wire). As the system 10causes the tendon-muscle-tendon unit to be looser than normal, impactforces generated from the object being held are of a lower magnitude andspeed through the tendon-muscle-tendon unit. As such, the resulting pullforces on the elbow of the user 18 are reduced thus preventing orreducing tendinosis. The system 10 thus acts to decrease the strength ofthe shock wave imparted and slows the propagation of the diminishedshock wave so that it dissipates and exerts decreased pull upon thetendon at the elbow.

Additionally, as the tendon-muscle-tendon unit has a degree of laxityimparted thereto, there is little chance of exceeding the tensilestrength of the tendon even if a higher impact than usual is transmittedto the object being gripped such as when an off-center or high velocityshot is hit while playing tennis. Also, as the pads 12, 14 and 16 haverelatively large thicknesses and are made of a resilient shock absorbingmaterial, they further act to dampen impact forces imparted onto theobject being grasped. Here, the pads 12, 14 and 16 directly absorb someof the kinetic energy transmitted from the object (not shown) at thegrip interface and, hence, reduce the kinetic energy transmitted to thetendon at the blow.

Moreover, correctly configured, the pads 12, 14 and 16 naturally move inan axial position on the fingers (e.g., on the proximal phalanges 40) toan interleaved configuration such as that shown in FIG. 1. Inparticular, as the user grasps the object being held and swings theobject, the gripping force of the hand and the ability of the pads 12,14 and 16 to slide axially on the fingers 22, 24 and 26 causes the pads12, 14 and 16 to naturally move to a more comfortable, interleavedconfiguration. And, if the user desires to enhance comfort manually, theuser simply slides the pads 12, 14 and 16 to various positions until thepads retain a desirable position or move naturally to a desired positionon the fingers. Although periodic adjustment is contemplated, continueduse of the gripped object (e.g., playing tennis) generally will notcause the system 10 to lose any amount of resiliency and, as such, thesystem 10 generally does not need to be readjusted or tightened duringuse, according to some embodiments.

As referenced above, the systems 10, 100 may be used in conjunction withother types of elbow braces and pads in addition to being used withspecially designed grips. Although described as being used in relationto golf and tennis, the systems 10, 100 may be used in relation to anyactivity in which a user 18 grasps an object. For example, the systems10, 100 can be used in relation to hockey sticks, baseball bats,softball bats, fishing poles, ropes for rope climbing, wind surfinghandles, rowing handles, bicycle handles and snowmobile handles. Furtheractivities in which the systems 10, 100 may be used includehousecleaning, the use of hand tools, use of a chainsaw, lawnmower andgarden tool use, use of musical instruments, wheel barrow use, craneoperation, window washing, holding of retractors during surgery,plumbing work, hair dryer use, exercise equipment use, handicap fall baruse, wheelchair use, physical therapy equipment use, painting and truckloading. The systems 10, 100 can be used in any application thatinvolves repetitive motion or shock to the hand of the user 18.

In accordance with the foregoing, the systems 10 and/or 100 incorporatea variety of features. For example, the system 10 includes one or morepads in ring form configured to rotate around the finger on which theyare worn as well as move up and down the finger segment on which theyare worn. When a plurality of rings are used, the system 10 issubstantially more comfortable as the pads (e.g., pads 12, 14 and/or 16)automatically move with object being grasped to a comfortable andeffective interleaved, or interlocking configuration with adjacent pads.Thus, according to some embodiments, the uncomfortable sensation ofspread fingers, or splayed fingers is reduced or avoided.

Some embodiments of the systems 10, 100 are superior to simply addingshock-absorbing materials to the object being grasped, as they moredirectly diminish the flow of kinetic energy from the hitting implementto the elbow by targeting the specific tendons involved in thetendinosis. Moreover, the uniquely customizable options available usingthe systems 10, 100 and/or combinations thereof markedly diminishtransmission of kinetic energy to the elbow without substantiallyaffecting the user's ability to hold an object (e.g., a tennis racket).The systems 10, 100 can be customized for the individual user's tendonproblems, generally do not require readjustment once placed on thefinger(s), do not constrict the elbow, and do not constrict or abradethe finger(s). Though some exemplary features of the systems 10, 100 aredescribed above, various additional or alternate features arecontemplated.

Ranges mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribedrange. As such, ranges mentioned herein include all sub-ranges includedin the mentioned ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 alsoincludes ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limitsmentioned herein include all other limits included in the mentionedlimits. For instance, a limit of up to about 7 also includes a limit ofup to about 5, up to about 3, and up to about 4.5.

Various modifications, permutations, and additions can be made to theexemplary embodiments and aspects of the embodiments discussed withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. For example, whilethe embodiments describing a concave articular surface above refer toparticular features, the scope of this invention also includesembodiments having different combinations of features and embodimentsthat do not include all of the features. Accordingly, the scope of thepresent invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications, permutations, and variations as fall within the scope ofthe claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

1. A tendinosis system for helping prevent the development of and/orrecurrence of elbow tendinosis, the system comprising: a) a first padmade of a resilient material and configured for being carried by a firstdigit of a user of the system, the first pad being substantially tubularand having an inner diameter adapted to allow rotation about and axialsliding along a phalanges of the first digit during grasping with thefirst digit without passing an interphalangeal joint of the first digit;and b) a second pad made of a resilient material and configured forbeing carried by a second digit of the user that is adjacent to thefirst digit of the user, the second pad being substantially tubular andhaving an inner diameter adapted to allow rotation about and axialsliding along a phalanges of the second digit during grasping with thesecond digit without passing an interphalangeal joint of the seconddigit, wherein the first and second pads are adapted to slide axiallyalong the phalanges of the first and second digits, respectively, to aninterleaved configuration during use.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe first pad has an inner diameter adapted to allow rotation about andaxial sliding along a proximal phalanges of the first digit.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first pad has an inner diameter adaptedto allow rotation about and axial sliding along a distal phalanges ofthe first digit.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and secondpads are formed of SORBOTHANE.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second pads are formed of a material having a Shore Durometerbetween approximately 55 and approximately
 70. 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the first pad is at least six millimeters thick.
 7. The systemof claim 1, wherein the first and second pads are substantially the samesize and shape.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a third padmade of a resilient material and configured for being carried by a thirddigit of a user of the system, the third pad being substantially tubularand having an inner diameter adapted to allow rotation about and axialsliding along a phalanges of the third digit during grasping with thethird digit without passing an interphalangeal joint of the third digit,wherein the first, second, and third pads are adapted to slide axiallyalong the phalanges of the first, second, and third digits,respectively, to an interleaved configuration during use.
 9. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a third pad made of a resilient materialand configured for being carried by a third digit of a user of thesystem, the third pad being substantially tubular and having an innerdiameter adapted to allow rotation about a phalanges of the third digitduring grasping while being disposed over an interphalangeal joint ofthe third digit, the third pad being substantially longer than the firstand second pads.
 10. The system of claim 1, where the first pad definesan end that is substantially rounded.
 11. A method of preventing thedevelopment or exacerbation of tendinosis, the method comprising:receiving a first ring of resilient material over a first digit of ahand of the user and a second ring of resilient material over a seconddigit of the hand of the user; curling the first and second digitsreceiving first and second rings about an object to grasp the objectwith an increased circumference grip relative to a natural grip of theuser; and automatically sliding the first and second rings to aninterleaved configuration on the first and second digits by moving thegrasped object with the hand.
 12. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising automatically rotating the first and second rings about thefirst and second digits, respectively, by swinging the grasped objectwith the hand.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and secondrings of resilient material are received over proximal phalanges of thefirst and second digits, respectively.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the first and second rings are configured such that the firstand second rings do not slide beyond interphalangeal joints of the firstand second digits during movement of the grasped object with the hand.15. The method of claim 11, wherein the grasped object is moved in anapplication that involves shock to the hand of the user.
 16. The methodof claim 15, wherein the grasped object is moved during swinging of atennis racket.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receivinga third ring of resilient material over a third digit of the hand of theuser; curling the third digit receiving a third ring about the graspedobject with the increased circumference grip relative to the naturalgrip of the user; and automatically sliding the third ring on the thirddigit to an interleaved configuration with the first and second rings onthe first and second digits by moving the grasped object with the hand.18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving a third ringof resilient material over a third digit of the hand of the user; andinhibiting bending an interphalangeal joint of the third digit with thethird ring of resilient material.
 19. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising providing the first and second rings of SORBOTHANE material.20. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing the first andsecond rings of a resilient material having a Shore Durometer 00 betweenapproximately 55 and approximately 70.